Local Information and Activities
When you plan your visit to the Dog & Pony Ranch, we highly recommend spending at least a couple of days in the area since there are many fun things to do near the ranch. Here are our top recommendations for our guests!
Local Dining Favorites
Our favorite meal is BBQ at home after a stop at Swingle’s Meats in Jackson (look for the steer statue just off Hwy 88). People drive long distances to buy the amazing marinated meats from our local butcher.
If you want to dine out or get takeout, here are our favorite nearby restaurants. Be sure to check current open dates/times (many closed mid-week):
- Volcano Union Pub in Volcano (8 miles). The shaded dog-friendly outdoor patio is quite popular so reservations recommended.
- Mel & Faye’s Diner in Jackson (9 miles). Classic burgers & fries diner food and covered patio dining where dogs are allowed.
- Saluti's in Jackson (10 miles). Excellent Italian food cooked/served by friendly owners. Dog-friendly patio.
- Imperial Hotel & Restaurant in Amador City (17 miles). Historic building with beautiful outdoor patios where dogs are welcomed.
- Amador Brewing Company in Pine Grove (5 miles) and Plymouth (20 miles). Dogs welcomed on outdoor patios where people can enjoy Amador's craft beer and various food trucks (listed on their website).
- See more on Dining & Entertainment
Local Favorite Activities
In addition to the many activities at the Ranch, there is much to do within a 15-60 minute drive: uncrowded Amador County wineries, winter skiing at Kirkwood, casino and shows at Jackson Rancheria, cave exploration, many nearby lakes and rivers, antique shopping, gold and historical sites, and much more.
- Amador Wine Tasting (10-30 miles). We like the small tasting rooms in Amador County so much better than crowded Napa. Avio is 10 miles away so a great nearby stop. You can visit lots of tasting rooms while walking around Sutter Creek. We often go to the wineries that include live music.
- Nearby lakes. Tabeaud Reservoir is only 2 miles away for fishing, hiking and bike/horse riding with an easy 2-mile loop around the lake. There are picnic tables, restrooms, etc. It's usually not too crowded so dogs often seen swimming and off leash (though leash signs with horse stables next door, so make sure yours are under control).
- Hiking “up country”. Shealor Lake is 44 miles up Hwy 88 and is one of our favorite half-day excursions. On hot summer days, the mountains provide a cooler setting for this moderate 3-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful lake. Caples Lake is a few miles further up Hwy 88 and a favorite easier hike along the shoreline.
- Snow play in the Sierras. We usually recommend Bear River Reservoir (40 miles up Hwy 88) so you can park off the highway and let the pups enjoy the trails and snow.
- Unique caverns. A memorable experience only 8 miles away at Black Chasm Cavern. Cool underground temps even in summer. Daily 50 min cave tours.
- See more on Outdoor Adventure & Recreation and Fun, Historic & Attractions
Nearby Lodging
Since we no longer offer overnight rentals at the Ranch after 2024, here are some nearby lodging options to stay before or after your Day Visit:
- Amador Hotel in Pioneer (10 miles and our recommendation). Renovated during covid and further up Hwy 88 for those who want a reasonably-priced 4-star hotel with country/mountain experience. Plate88 restaurant is next door.
- Best Western Amador Inn in Jackson (9 miles). Well-known dog-friendly chain and closest to many Jackson restaurants.
- See more on Local lodging with distance to the Ranch, dog-friendly, etc.
Indicates dog-friendly business/activity!
